A WALKING specialist who has clocked hundreds of miles across the UK has shared her advice for anyone planning to take on part of the Wales Coast Path this summer.

Holly Robertson, a Walk Specialist with self-guided walking holiday provider Celtic Trails, says solo walking is far safer than many people imagine, provided walkers take sensible precautions and prepare properly.

The Wales Coast Path stretches for around 870 miles, beginning in Chepstow and running around the Welsh coastline to Queensferry in the north. It takes in cliffs, beaches, harbours, estuaries and some of the country’s most spectacular views.

For Pembrokeshire walkers, the route includes one of the most dramatic sections of the entire path, following the county’s coastline through places such as Tenby, Freshwater West, St Davids, Fishguard and Newport.

Holly, who lives in Hertfordshire, recently completed the 51-mile Coleridge Way with her father, walking through the Quantock Hills and Exmoor. A month later she tackled the 73-mile Great Glen Way in the Scottish Highlands with her partner.

She said walking with others can be hugely rewarding, but admitted she had initially felt nervous about walking alone.

“As a woman, there is always that thought in the back of your mind saying, ‘Is this safe?’” she said. “But as long as you take safety precautions you’re unlikely to run into any issues.

“I don’t actually encounter lots of people on my solo walks, but those I do meet are very approachable. People come and talk to you and the vast majority you meet out there are genuinely friendly.”

Holly is now encouraging more people to try solo walking and says the Wales Coast Path is a perfect place to start, whether walkers are planning a short day route or a longer multi-day challenge.

Her first piece of advice is to make sure walking boots fit properly before setting off.

She recommends what she calls the “insole test”.

“Start by removing the insoles of your walking boots and standing on them,” she said. “You should aim to have between 1cm and 2cm distance between your big toe and the top of the edge of the insole.

“If your toe reaches or hangs over the edge of the insole, it’s worth investing in a bigger pair of boots.

“If your boots feel too loose or tight from the start, you’re likely to develop blisters or end up with bruised toenails during longer walks. It sounds quite obvious, but it is something people often get wrong.”

Holly also advises walkers to pack carefully and avoid carrying unnecessary weight.

“Don’t try to pack too much. Aim to stick to the essentials,” she said. “I always bring a first aid kit, enough layers, plenty of water and a portable phone charger.

“There’s the temptation to carry lots of extra items, but the more weight you carry, the harder the walk becomes and the less you’ll enjoy it.”

For those heading onto more remote stretches of coastline, Holly says downloading maps in advance is essential.

“Walking apps like OS Maps or Komoot are worth downloading offline before you set off, as in my experience phone signal on remote routes tends to be unreliable,” she said. “Having the map cached locally gives me the confidence that I’m on the right track.”

Solo walkers are also advised to let someone know their plans before setting off.

“I send a quick message to a friend or family member before setting off saying that I’m doing a particular route and should be at a certain place by a certain time,” Holly said.

“It costs nothing and provides real reassurance if you’re walking alone. You can also share your location on ‘Find My’ on iPhone, but remember your location accuracy will depend on how good your signal is.”

For older walkers, or those new to longer distances, Holly recommends using walking poles.

“Despite what some may say, using walking poles isn’t cheating,” she said. “I advise people to invest in a decent pair if they plan to tackle longer routes.

“I use a pair of Leki walking poles, which are on the pricier side, but you can pick up a pair for as little as £20. They really do make a difference to how you feel by the end of the day and are really helpful on descents.”

Holly also recommends the “rest step” technique when tackling steep climbs.

She explained: “Start by moving your forward foot up to a solid position on the incline. As you plant your forward foot, straighten your rear leg that is still on the ground and lock your knee. Then relax the muscles in your upper body and the leg that isn’t locked. Repeat the motion with the other leg to continue moving upwards.

“This really helps to shift tension and fatigue from your quads and helps to regulate your heart rate.”

Above all, Holly says beginners should not be put off by social media or by comparing themselves with more experienced walkers.

“Try not to compare yourself to other people and ignore the noise you see on social media,” she said.

“It can feel difficult to get started, but starting off with small distances can really help build your confidence. Walking doesn’t have to be extreme to be rewarding.

“When you stop and look back along the route you have just walked, that feeling is hard to describe.”

Celtic Trails, which specialises in self-guided walking holidays, says walkers planning to take on the Wales Coast Path should choose a route that matches their experience, check the weather, wear suitable footwear and tell someone where they are going before setting off.